The Macallan is a Highland distillery that has a very good reputation for producing high quality whisky. Curious about this reputation, I decided to taste the Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak.

Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak

The Macallan 12 Year Old Fine Oak is a distinctive whisky that derives much of its character from letting the whisky mature in a combination of ex sherry and bourbon casks made from American and Spanish oak. All these influences combine to produce an excellent whisky with deep flavour and complexity.

Nose

Subtle oak intertwined with fruity mango peel lifts up from the glass, with notes of vanilla and waves of creamy butter with scones. The smell of sherry is also gently released, but it does not dominate as bursts of dried fruits like dates and prunes become more noticeable as the whisky rests.

Taste

With a silky smooth texture, the subtle oak merges with the bittersweet orange peel and spicy ginger. Then coffee graces the tongue, with a surge of vanilla and luscious cream that coats the tongue like a buttery pastry.

Finish

Long and enjoyable with developing flavours, the finish is very enjoyable with lots of oak, creamy butter, pastry and citrus.

Overall

This Macallan is excellent. The theme of oak does not dominate, as fruit and creamy butter provide depth and complexity that is well balanced.